Smart Locks and Security Cameras Legal Issues?

[Hong Yang]

Has anyone tried installing wifi locks and security cameras for their long term rental? I know its pretty common in short term rentals, but I'm not sure about the legal implications. 

I assume you have to give your tenant a physical key.

However, it seems like a major convenience because you can remotely unlock the place or show it to future tenants without being there in person. Also if the tenant locks themselves out you can easily let them back in.

The doorbell camera can't monitor the inside of the rental unit, but it can capture funny business. Like if the tenant brings in an AC when the lease explicitly states no AC.

[Taylor L.]

Several issues:

- Are you providing wifi? What network will the locks connect to? If I was a tenant I wouldn't allow a landlord to connect to my wifi network for free.

- Tenants should be wary of a landlord freely allowing prospective tenants to tour their occupied units without supervision. If anything is stolen, expect bigtime liability. 

- The AC example is weak, you can see window AC units from the outside without having 24/7 monitoring access to the front door.

- Is monitoring the comings and goings of your tenants really a good use of your time?